Tears and Joy

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2, 3 (New American Standard Bible)

James penned these precious words to believers who were facing extreme persecution in the early days of the church. They knew the taste of trials in their life. Persecution, separation from loved ones, imprisonment, even death. What could possibly be the joy in that? Some would say joy in the trials but James is pointing toward the result of the trials…the development of endurance. So too for us. Each circumstance of our life, each difficulty we face, each trial that comes upon us, as believers, become the seeds for the fruit that will be produced later on. THAT is what we can joy in as the tears fall, as our heart breaks, as the questions persist, and as our minds race.

Many today wake with pillows soaked from tears that have fallen in the night. The Bible has 175 verses that speak of weeping, crying, and tears. One of those verses is John 11:35 which simply says, “Jesus wept.” It was his response to the tears of Mary and other Jews at the death of Lazarus. He wept even though He knew there was to be a resurrection. He wept even though He knew the end of the story. Rather than condemn Mary’s tears, he mingled them with His. He knew that her tears were a matter of her emotions, broken heart, desperate situation, confusion, and unanswered questions.

For those of you who read this devotional today with tear stained faces and broken hearts, I hand to you two support beams of comfort. Beam #1, God has things He is producing through your trial, trouble, or temptation. It is not in vain that you are facing whatever you are facing. It is not a dead end street. It is not for nothing. What God does with it all is yet to be seen, but please know that the production of endurance and strength is part of what will take place in your life because of it.

Beam #2, God mingles His tears with yours. He knows your sadness. He knows your questions. He knows your ache. He sees it for the emotion that it is…not a lack of faith but rather an appropriate response to your plight. He has not forgotten you. He has not abandoned you. He is not condemning you. He is not waiting for you to “get your act together.” Like in the case of Mary, He is right there with you in the midst of what feels like death. He will give beauty for your ashes, joy for your sorrow, and praise for you heaviness of heart. (Isaiah 61:3) In that you can joy. Even when the tears fall with His.

Father, for each person who hurts today, I pray for Your strength to be upon in. Thank you for what will come of their trial and thank you for Your tears that fall with theirs. Amen.

With All I Am - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMrAafe7Mns&feature=PlayList&p=2FB126D48DF4B086&index=80

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Taking the Plow and Mantle

Another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:61, 62 (New American Standard Bible)

Each of us must determine what, if anything, follows our statement of “I will follow You, Lord.” A certain man voiced those words to Jesus but wanted a little more time with his family before doing so. That “but first” clause constituted putting his hand to the plow and looking back. Back at his family. Back at his roots. Back at his life. Jesus knew that until the “but first” was no longer the condition of his heart, he would not be fit (useful) for the kingdom of God. Divided hearts make us unfit for that which God wants to do in and through us in His kingdom.

Is there an area in your life that divides your heart when it comes to total commitment to God’s call? Is there something you keep looking back to or at? Mine was evident yesterday as I once again gave in to the longings to sit under the teachings of my former mentor. What once fed my soul and spirit profoundly, is now forbidden fruit which can so easily tempt me. Why is it forbidden? Well, I assure you it isn’t because the teaching is no longer profound, relevant, or practical. It is all of the above and more. This woman and her ministry are both very blessed by God and very used by God. The problem is the dependency issues that still reside in me. God is continually reminding me that any contact or connection reopens doors that are meant to stay closed in order for me to live in freedom rather than bondage. I might enjoy a handful of grapes at her vines but it comes at the cost of intimacy with my Heavenly Father. The minute I linger in the fields of her ministry I become acutely aware of God’s silence. That is when I once again realize I am looking back…looking away from Him. That is when the desire to reconnect with Him outweighs the desire to reconnect with a person.

If I close my eyes, I can see myself in a field with my hands on a plow handle. Just a few feet in front of me is a mantle on the ground (much like the one Elijah threw down for Elisha) placed there by my Heavenly Father. It is His invitation for total commitment, total submission, and total loyalty. Usefulness in His kingdom is at stake when a divided heart resides within me. There is no looking back or going back to what once was, there is only a looking forward to what is meant to be of Him. I choose once again to step away from my mentor’s vineyard and into His.

Father, I am so aware of Your forgiveness once again. Each time I stray, fall, or fail You reach down to pick me up and start me on the path meant for me. I take a hold of the plow and mantle and follow You. Amen.

All to Jesus I Surrender
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x2IpLSfqp8&feature=related

Holiness is a furnace that transforms the men and women who enter it. - Eugene H.Peterson

Purposeful Goal Setting

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8 (King James Version)

Daniel’s ability to stay true to his heart and conscience was birthed out of the decisions he made ahead of time. He knew going into each day what he would do and what he would not do when it came to moral, ethical, and even dietary choices. Temptation was fought before it arose because he had already purposed in his heart what he would do.

I am not one to do a lot of planning out things ahead of time. I don’t plan out weekly menus. I don’t have “to do” lists. I tend to face things as they come. While that works fine for certain areas of my life, I have learned it has caused some difficulties when it comes to doing battles in the emotional arena. Last week, a friend suggested that I write out my goals. First I was to write out my life goals and then write out my daily goals. These goals were to represent the direction I wanted to head. Both of us knew that if I didn’t purpose to do things they most likely would not get done. We both knew that my “winging it” mentality was not having good results. Each day seemed to be filled with up and down moments and the spiraling was evident. Emotional battles were usually lost before they even took place. In short, I was in trouble. It took a week to finally start the goal lists but once I got started I was amazed at the difference it made.

My life goal was as follows: To be pleasing to the Lord in my words, thoughts, and actions. To love Him with all of my heart, soul, and mind and have Him as the center of my life. To delight myself in God and enjoy the people in my life. To take my thoughts captive before they take me captive. To find my significance, worth, and value in who I am in Christ and to live out of that realization.

My daily goals are specific ways to bring about my life goals. That list gets tweaked each day. It gets added to throughout the day. Today’s goal list already looks like this… Do what is right, loving, and good toward others. Think on what is true and encouraging. Smile when I talk to others.

This is what I have noticed. When I put something on my daily goal list it is predominant in my thinking as I enter the day. As temptations come up during the day to dwell on negative things or past hurts, to put myself before others, or to have a complaining spirit, the goals for that day come to mind and I switch gears internally. If it is not demonstrating a goal I have set then it needs to be halted immediately. Does it work? Absolutely! For me, it is the difference between victory and defeat.

Father, I purpose in my heart to do the things You are laying upon my heart. Help me to continue to set the goals that will change the direction of my life. Amen.

Be Thou My Vision
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EYYbwEqDlg

Did you miss a past devotional? My blog site now houses over 900 former devotionals with the theme and book of the Bible at the end of each. Click on to the theme or book and you will then see every devotional written on that theme or from that book. Or click on to the date at the left and see what was shared a month ago or several years ago. Enjoy!

Renewed Hope

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (New American Standard Bible)

My heart is heavy this morning for a friend who faces uncertainties with her job. Throughout the night I have awakened with her on my mind and lifted her up in prayer at those times. Her situation has become a concern of mine and that concern has birthed some anxiety in me. It has caused me to think long and hard about my view of prayer and God. There is turmoil that has its roots in worry and God is working gently to show me the reason for the worry.

I asked Him this morning what my turmoil is revealing about my prayer life and view of Him. He was quick to answer. While I know the verses and truths about God and His love for us, deep down there is this thought that abandonment is forth coming. That my friend will be left on her own to survive this storm of life. That somehow the situation is not on God’s priority list. As I saw and acknowledged my thoughts God also began to bring truth to mind. While I don’t know how things will turn out I now have truth to stand on with confidence and boldness.

In regards to my friend, these are the truths I am now standing in: God will never leave, forsake or abandon her. He knows the beginning from the end. He is aware of every detail of her life. He will work all things out for her good and His glory. He cares for her. He is faithful to her. He will meet ALL her needs (physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, and mentally). He holds her in the palms of His hands. His ways are higher than her ways and His thoughts are higher than her thoughts. He is her defender, protector, provider, shelter, and shepherd. His plans for her are for good. He is holding her by the right hand and guiding her steps accordingly. He loves her even more than she loves her own children and grandchildren (and that says a lot). He is not limited in any way by her situation. He is covering her with His wings and feathers. He is hovering over her. He has His eye on her. He knows what He is doing.

As I pray for her I am free to ask that her job stay in tact but along with that I rejoice in the truths that abound for her. She is dear to me but even more so to God. I look forward to the incredible ways God will work on her behalf.

Father, You have settled my heart in a precious way. All that You have shown me regarding my friend is true for all Your children. I rest in You this morning right along side my friend. Amen.

Prayer for a Friend - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN3D0Carn3U

Fixing my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith!

Heading in the Wrong Direction

But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1:3 (New American Standard Bible)

Jonah’s steps in the wrong direction were many. He purposefully headed away from God, went down to Joppa, found a ship, paid the fare, and boarded the ship to get to Tarshish. The verse begins and ends with the same phrase, “from the presence of the LORD.” At any point along the way, Jonah could have assessed what he was doing, changed his course of action, and headed in the right direction. If you are familiar with this Bible story you know all that transpired before the change came. He made matters worse with each choice he made. All of it could have been avoided had Jonah at any time headed toward God instead of away from Him.

Have you ever seen yourself in the person of Jonah? I certainly have! I find myself making wrong decisions and then proceed to make wrong choices on top of those decisions. Rather than stop at the first wrong step, I (like Jonah) just keep taking the wrong steps….making matters worse. I was in the midst of wrong choices this past weekend and even had my mind made up to make more wrong choices. What stopped me? I knew I would only make matters worse and that would lead to painful consequences. It wouldn’t be a large fish as in Jonah’s case, but it would be something that could easily swallow me up until I was ready to head in the right direction. So I stopped my planning. I stopped my running. I changed my heart and my mind. In essence, I rose to flee but decided to return.

In moments like this I feel like such a boomerang Christian….going the wrong direction and then turning around and heading back. Fortunately for me God is consistent in His love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy. The lessons He is teaching me are difficult and uncomfortable at present. I don’t like the person I continue to be most of the time. I don’t like what others know about me. I don’t like the mistakes I keep making and the slip-ups I keep having. I do, however, take comfort in the fact that God loves me too much to allow me to stay this way. He will go to any length to reach, touch, and change my heart. He will stop at nothing to woo and win me to Himself. He will never give up on me even when I have given Him more than enough reasons to do so.

Father, forgive me for my thoughts and actions. I want to stop running and adding to the wrong choices I have already made. With You all things are possible and I rest in that truth. Amen.

Oh How He Loves Us - Kim Walker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF9uG-zR2Kw&feature=related

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.

Seeing it for Myself

Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see " And the LORD opened the servant's eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 (New American Standard Bible)

Elisha’s servant is in a state of panic when he sees his city surrounded by the enemy. He looks to Elisha for assurance and advice. Elisha’s first response is to speak truth. But his servant needed more than Elisha’s perspective, he needed his own experience and that is what Elisha prayed that God would give him. I can only imagine the servant’s eyes opening wide with wonder as he saw for himself the mountain filled with God’s army of horses and chariots of fire!

I have been in this servant’s shoes before and for too many years. I have spent decades looking to others for assurance and advice. Let’s face it, Christians are great comforters, nurturers, and advisors. When I became a Christian it didn’t take me long to see them as the ones to run to when life got hard, hurts came, and heartaches persisted. It was easy to allow them to be my pain relievers. It never took the pain away but at least it eased it. Here’s the problem though, as long as I run to others I fail to experience God as my comforter. People become a type of panacea for what ails me. Then I wonder why seeing God as my refuge, strength, and stronghold are such foreign concepts for me. If I want to see God as the One who is passionately involved in my life I have to start allowing Him to be involved in my life and that includes the times I am afraid, hurting, and empty. When I have the experience of God soothing and calming me it strengthens my bond with Him.

I have also spent too many years listening to others describe the Christian life to me and longing for their description to be mine as well. God wants me to know that listening to others will never be as life changing as experiencing Him for myself. He knows how empowering it will be for me to see things for myself rather than just take other people’s word for it. While I can learn a lot from others, God wants me to find my own unique relationship with Him. Not patterned after another person’s experience but birthed out of a daily walk with Him. I am free to stop trying to duplicate other lives. God knows, and I am learning, that personal experience will always be my greatest time of learning. It is all about running to Him, listening to Him, learning from Him, and living for Him. God and me…what a thought!

Father, I willingly turn this new corner with You. I am finally ready to see what You have been longing to show me! Amen.

Through It All - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33aGaYAZvL4&feature=fvw

Thank you to those of you who held me up in prayer this week. Your prayers were needed, appreciated, and effective.

God's Longings

Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you. And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him. Isaiah 30:18 (New American Standard Bible)

Each of us have things we long for and desire to receive. We not only want it but do whatever we can to get it. I find it interesting that God also has longings. His expectancies run high, just like ours.

Isaiah 30:18 tells me two things God longs for. He longs to be gracious to us AND He wants to have compassion on us. This certainly is not the picture of a stingy, angry God. When I look in His eyes I see them sparkle with love, joy, and laughter. He actually looks forward to the times when He can lavish His grace and compassion on us.

Since God wants more than anything to show these attributes to us, what hinders Him from doing so? I believe it comes down to our inability or refusal to receive the gifts from His hands. When I walk in disobedience, follow my own agenda, look to other sources to have my needs met, or fasten my eyes and attach my heart away from Him, I shut out His attempts to show me His graciousness and compassion.

Instead of opening my hands to Him, I close them tightly. Instead of running to Him, I back away. Instead of receiving from Him, I live deprived. So how do I reverse these tendencies? It too is found in my longings. This verse speaks of longing for Him. That longing is a deep heart desire to know Him, please Him, serve him, and totally embrace Him. Think of the person or people in your life that mean the most to you. That desire you have to spend time with them and to talk with them. They bring you joy and delight. You have a longing to be in relationship with them.

May God help us to cultivate that very desire for Himself. When spending time with Him and thoughts of Him become our greatest delight and priority we are then able to receive what He is longing to bestow upon us……His graciousness and compassion.

Father, may my longing for You become as strong as Your longing to be gracious and compassionate toward me. I was created in Your image ~ may I live in Your image. Amen.